Commissions study and report to the city council on any matter referred to it for such action by the city council. Members of the commission are appointed for terms of four years commencing on January 1st (even years) of the year of appointment and terminating on December 31st of the fourth year thereafter. If vacancies occur, other than by expiration of term, they are filled by appointment for the unexpired portion of the term.

To be eligible for appointment as a member of the commission, the candidate must meet all of the following requirements: (a) Maintain a current residence in the city; (b) No felony convictions; (c) File a city application; (d) Submit a written resume of not more than two hundred words describing background, qualifications, and objectives in serving the commission.

The commission elects a chairperson and vice-chairperson from among its appointed members for one-year terms.

There are currently six commissions, one Mayor's Youth Council and one Ad Hoc Committee:

Duarte Youth and Family Committee - The Duarte Youth & Family Committee was established by the City Council to oversee the implementation of the Duarte Youth and Family Master Plan (YFMP). The 12 member committee is made up of youth, former YFMP Advisory Committee member, a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, and other interested community members. The Youth & Family Committee meets on the 4th Monday of each month, 6:30pm in the Duarte Community Center lounge. The meetings are open to the public. The 2011 workplan for the Committee will be to assist key community stakeholders with implementation of YFMP Action Steps, promote the Duarte YFMP at various community events, and prepare a YFMP report card that measures the progress achieved with each Action Step.